Saturday, November 03, 2007

I Am the American Gangster

Finally!

After waiting a full year of seeing the teaser previews I saw the movie, American Gangster. The events are based on (New York) drug-king pin Frank Lucas’ life.
Like everyone else, I wanted to see the action. I looked for entertainment. I am a movie buff and lately I hadn’t been satisfied with what Hollywood is doing.
While I was waiting, I read articles on Lucas. My anticipation grew as my eyes raced across the stories of him. I had to see what made Frank so potent. Frank’s haunting. He had a kill everyone and take never collect names attitude. I guess hard living made him that way.

When the movie came out I just couldn’t wait to drag my best friend along with me. Before the movie started I felt odd. I knew I probably was the only person in the theater (besides my bff) who was against Frank Lucas. I don’t care if he was played by Denzel.
Usually people cheer for the main character. For more than a year a lot of hype surrounded the movie. But, I think maybe people forgot what Lucas did. He masterminded the corruption of Harlem. That’s H.A.R.L.E.M. Ya'll They got flavor! I went once, and it will forever be in my heart. He killed a part of my city. …in the 70s, when everything was real. For once, I cheered for the white guy, who brought him down.
But this isn’t our fault. Hollywood is ‘the man’. And forgive me for being silly, but I forgot they do pick our Black heroes. Shout outs to Martin and Rosa, you know they were the only ones who saved us. Du Bois, Angelo, Langston and the gang never did anything for for the world. ...and I bet Denzel gets an Oscar for this one (any part currupt).
Now, You want an American Gangster. I am the real American Gangster. …getting up in the early in the morning to face my professors (who hold a key to my future), that’s gangster. …spending hours studying for that exam, then acing it (and I’ll never need the information again), that’s Gangster. Spending time in clogged traffic, without losing my mind, that’s Gangster. Respecting my elders, that’s Gangster. Paying my bills on time, legitimate, that’s Gangster. Going to the dentist and being cavity free, that’s Gangster. And I love candy. I’ve got a stash in my room, car, bags, everywhere. Having credit, that’s Gangster. Shopping for a piece of land and property at 24, that’s Gangster. Graduating as a Master of all Arts, that’s Gangster. Penning my own book, that’s Gangster! All of this is a small part of my Gangster!
Course though I ain’t gonna get my props. That would be too like right. They would give Frank’s idiotcrocy glory and more. While I’m the real Gangsta! Young, Black and Gifted. As for Frank, he needs to be under the jail.